Should probably post this on a travel board, but w/e, yolo etc etc

next September, providing I don't fail uni like I did this year, I'll end up living in Turkey from September to June, specifically Istanbul, to study at University. Now, I've done a bit of research about Istanbul and turkey in general such as good bars/clubs/prices/food etc and while i'm really, really excited about it (obviously) I'm a little bit apprehensive about stuff like culture shock. While I should hopefully have a grasp of Turkish by then, the idea of living somewhere that's a whole lot more foreign than anywhere else I've been to for an extended period of time like France or Italy is mildly scary.

Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing and how you got over it, either as an immigrant or in an exchange program similar to mine?

Since you're going to be new, don't try to rush things. Instead, just watch and learn. There's going to be initial excitement at first (on both sides), but once this wanes, you'll start to settle in.

You're going to make mistakes, so be prepared to apologize quite a bit. I've seen people get apprehensive and say "We don't do that where I'm from" and that's one saying which should never be said.

Once people realize you're there to be among them, they'll start to open up more.

It takes about a month or so to get acclimated, but learning the culture will take much longer. Take your time and enjoy it.

I've been to Turkey myself. Beautiful country but strict. Definitely pay attention to how people react. Make no hand gestures until you know they're okay to use. Some of our hand gestures are considered vulgar there.

The best thing is to be passionately interested in the culture and language. So if you ain't already, go out and search for something that turns you on in their culture. There's bound to be something. Try to be really positive about that and progress in your knowledge.

September to June should not be long enough to get bad culture shock in my experience. For me it's not the start but after being there quite a while. Maybe around Christmas time you might want to plan a change of scene, fly back home for a while or whatever.

That's not exactly where your priorities should be. Biggest thing would be laws, but other than that, all you can do is watch and participate. You'll pick it up eventually. There's only so much you can learn from computer research. Make sure you understand that your culture is one thing and theirs is theirs. You're a guest, don't go around trying to correct perceived injustices or criticize their culture. Things that are alright in England, the US, etc. might be illegal or frowned upon there. Turkey is going through a real rough patch right now, and might get a bit interesting in the next few years. Keep your ear to the ground and be familiar with what's going on in politics, cultural movements, etc.

More than that: It's easy to fall in love with an exotic place early on, but don't assume that it's better than where you're from. These are real people with problems, successes, pride, failings, etc. Treat them thus: As real people, not cute little exotic folk there for your amusemant. Respect is the most important thing, but not idealization.